Many apps installed on phones can access location data, which can be useful for services like maps or weather. However, some apps may request more location access than necessary.
Users can check which apps are tracking their whereabouts in under a minute using built-in controls on both iPhone and Android devices. These controls allow users to review permissions and block location access.
While an app having location access is not always a concern, as permission might have been granted for a specific feature, location information is personal data. Regular collection of this data could reveal details such as home addresses, workplaces, or daily routines.
Adam Speight, a Which? smartphones expert, advises questioning why an app requests location and considering if tracking makes sense for its function. He suggests that for many apps, limiting access to only when the app is in use may be sufficient. Users can restrict an app's location access and see if features still work as expected, with the option to change permissions again later if needed.